Risk Factors for Bipolar Disorder

Introduction. Risk factors for bipolar disorder

Bipolar disorder gets its name from the mood swings between manic highs and depressive lows. Bipolar disorder can develop at any age, but usually it develops around age 25. In this article we describe the risk factors for bipolar disorder and the prophylactic measures how to avoid its reoccurrence.

More than 10 million Americans suffer of bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder affects equally men, women and all races, ethnic groups, and socioeconomic classes. Although there is no single known root cause of bipolar disorder, there are specific risk factors. There is no single risk factor casing the onset of bipolar disorder. Several risk factors work together to trigger the condition.

Role of genetics, environment, and psychiatric comorbidities

Bipolar disorder usually occurs in families. Children who have a parent or sibling with the disorder are more likely to develop it than children who don’t have any relatives affected by BD. Genes and environment work together to cause bipolar disorder. The environmental factors which might lead to BD are stressful events and major life changes such as developing serious medical condition or losses of loved ones. Also, people with anxiety, depression and behavioral disturbances are at increased risk of developing bipolar disorder.

Alcohol and drug abuse increases the risk for bipolar disorder

Abuse of alcohol and drugs play a significant role by triggering bipolar symptoms. Studies show that about 50% of people with bipolar disorder have a substance abuse or alcohol problem.

On the other hand, also people suffering of bipolar disorder tend to use alcohol or drugs. They do so to reduce the discomfort, during the depressive periods. However, also during the manic episode the recklessness and impulsivity associated with mania leads to alcohol and drug abuse.

Prophylactic measures by increased risk for bipolar disorder

These results support the use of prophylactic treatment by people with pre-existing conditions. The prophylactic treatment by high genetic and behavioral risk and in those with pre-existing depression and anxiety disorders minimizes the incidence of bipolar disorder.

Bipolar disorder can start with depressive or manic episode. Patient diagnosed with a depressive episode can’t be diagnosed a priori with BD. First the appearance of a manic episode secures the diagnosis.

The lifetime medication is recommended in those who developed two manic episodes. Medication and psychotherapy can keep people with BP stable for a long time ideally life-long. In people suffering of BD the deployment of psychotherapy is recommended during life crises. The psychotherapy stabilizes the patients minimizing the risk of depressive or manic mood swing. People with bipolar disorder require continues psychiatric monitoring and pharmacotherapy and in case of crises the deployment of psychotherapy. Under such conditions the patients can remain often life-long fully asymptomatic.